Program Manager Gamba Eradication and Biodiversity Conservation Project

Management level Opportunity: Fulltime Fixed Term

Location: Darwin NT

Base Remuneration Package: $115194 per annum plus 15% superannuation.

Lead the program:

If youre a leader passionate about the environmental conservation and community collaboration the Northern Land Council (NLC) offers a unique opportunity to lead the Gamba Eradication and Biodiversity Conservation Project. The Project is focused on reducing the risks posed by gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) (gamba) to high priority biodiversity conservation values located in the gamba eradication zone in the NT.

Funded through the Australian Governments Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and led by the Northern Land Council the Project is guided by existing Northern Territory and Australian biodiversity conservation and legislative weed management plans. The Project will work with key stakeholders to selectively eradicate gamba grass from the NT gamba eradication zone. The majority of the project will occur on Aboriginal land and working with Indigenous Rangers.

About the role

Reporting to the Caring for Country - Operation Manager you will lead a multidisciplinary team delivering the Project. You will drive strategic planning operational management and maintain workforce capability ensuring the Project aligns with the Northern Land Councils vision values and priorities. Your leadership will foster a culture of accountability collaboration and high performance empowering team members to achieve biodiversity conservation goals and culturally appropriate management outcomes.

You will build and maintain strong partnerships with Traditional Owners Government agencies land owners and internal teams guiding project governance compliance and evidence - based decision making. By overseeing project planning monitoring and evaluation reporting and continuous improvement initiatives you will ensure sustainable delivery effective stakeholder engagement and the integration of indigenous priorities into every aspect of the Project.

Refer to the full position description (link)

About you

Youre a proven manager with a track record of leading teams and programs that deliver real impact in natural resource management conservation or invasive species control. You bring cultural awareness and the ability to balance program objectives with effective operational delivery engaging stakeholders across diverse and cross-cultural contexts to achieve sustainable outcomes for the Gamba Eradication and Biodiversity Conservation Project.

You will have:

• Completion of Tertiary qualifications similar to Natural Resource Management Conservation and Ecosystem Management or significant experience in a role focused on invasive species management or related areas of expertise.
• At least five years experience administering and managing a remote extension program or large projects including budgetary and contract management;
• Sound understanding of and interest in the lived experiences of Aboriginal people in the NLC region;
• High-level conceptual analytical and problem-solving abilities to develop and implement best practice threat abatement management plans for remote difficult to access locations.;
• Effective communication and negotiation skills across a broad range of stakeholders (government and non-government) and in cross-cultural contexts;
• Demonstrated understanding of existing natural resource management and biodiversity conservation plans on Aboriginal lands in the Northern Territory;
• Demonstrated understanding of existing biodiversity conservation plans legislation and policies relevant to the GEBC project;
• Sound understanding of and interest in the lived experiences of Aboriginal people in the NLC region;
• Sound computer literacy skills in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software programs;
• A current NT C Class drivers license;

Why Join the NLC

As Program Manager youll shape how the program is governed funded and delivered to protect biodiversity and control invasive gamba grass across the NT gamba eradication zone. You will work closely with Traditional Owners indigenous ranger groups government agencies and internal teams to deliver practical and culturally informed outcomes.

Youll lead planning compliance and performance management to ensure the project not only meets its ecological goals but also supports long-term sustainability on Aboriginal land balancing operational delivery with partnerships and community engagement.

We offer:

• Competitive base salary of $115194 per annum plus 15% superannuation;
• Salary packaging benefits up to $15900 p.a. (plus meal and accommodation benefits up to $2650);
• District allowance of up to $4884 per annum (with dependents) or $2678 (without).
• Five (5) weeks annual leave leave loading 18 days personal leave;
• Annual airfare benefit after 12 months of service (net value $3177);

How to apply

All applications must be lodged via the NLC Jobs Website and include:

• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria.
• A current CV.
• Copies of relevant qualifications.

Applications close: Wednesday 10 December 2025

About the Northern Land Council

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We serve Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End supporting their aspirations for land sea and cultural management.

Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to all we do. We are committed to equity inclusion and cultural safety and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Be part of our next chapter

This is an exciting time to join the NLC as we move into a new modern workplace and strengthen our capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities across the Northern Territory.